125 years and counting: Sturgeon Falls retailer marks milestone anniversary.

• Author: Cowan, Liz
• Position: NEWS

Whether you need a hammer, cleaning supplies, shoes, or sheets, Michaud and Levesque in Sturgeon Falls still caters to its customers after 125 years.

The products have changed since the general store opened in the town in 1887, but family ownership hasn't. Paul Levesque, the current owner, represents five generations of retailers.

His great-great grandfather, Georges Levesque, teamed up with Joseph Michaud to offer Sturgeon area residents general merchandise. In the early 1920s, the Levesque family purchased the Michaud interests.

"We didn't realize what we were sitting on here," said Levesque. "There's a lot of history that goes with the store."

In the current marketplace of big box stores and malls, the store manages to stay true to its roots. It is currently associated with TRU Hardware and has maintained an association with Stedmans (currently V&S) since the 1930s.

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"We are still independent which allows us to continue offering the community what it requires," Levesque said. "This business model is not seen much anymore. A lot of places now become good at one thing and we still seem to be a general store. That format has allowed us to be successful throughout the years or at least be relevant in our community"

The store still has a lunch counter where customers are encouraged to have a meal or a coffee and then spend some time browsing and shopping.

"It makes it a nice place to come and spend a few hours instead of just picking up something and leaving," he said.

The original building on the town's Main Street burned in 1919 but was rebuilt the following year on the same block. Since then, a few additions have been added.

Over the years, the family also operated a garage, sold Ford automobiles, ran a grocery store in the building and a butcher shop. In the 1960s, Ski Doos and Sea Doos were available and boats and motors were once available.

At one time, there was a bowling alley on the second floor, which was later sold and dismantled, and an elevator that no longer exists.

But despite the changes Michaud and Levesque has gone through, its focus has always been on the customer.

"We carry one or two of a lot...